What happened
On 8 February 2022, a Cessna A188B aircraft, registered as ZS-JDH, was performing aerial work near Howick Airfield in KwaZulu-Natal. The pilot was engaged in a series of crop-spraying missions over maize fields, operating under visual meteorological conditions. After completing two previous spraying passes and returning to Barland Airfield to replenish supplies, the pilot prepared for a third pass.
During the descent toward the target field, the pilot identified that the intended spray direction would involve a steep uphill climb, which presented a potential hazard. To rectify this, the pilot attempted to climb to approximately 150 feet above ground level to establish a more suitable south-westerly flight path. While executing a left-hand turn and simultaneously adjusting the agricultural navigation computer, the pilot failed to notice a blue gum tree positioned 15 metres ahead of the flight path. The left wing of the aircraft struck the tree, causing the plane to roll left and pitch downward. Despite the pilot's attempts to recover using right rudder and back pressure, the aircraft continued its descent, striking a maize field approximately 200m from the tree before skidding and coming to rest. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, though the pilot escaped with only a minor laceration.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence with the necessary agricultural ratings. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that a mandatory periodic inspection had been completed recently, and the aircraft was within its airworthiness period.
Physical examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine was producing significant power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by the condition of the propeller blades. The investigation found that the left wing flap and left wheel assembly had detached upon impact. There were no signs of fuel contamination, and the fuel levels were approximately one-third remaining in both tanks. No prior defects had been recorded for the aircraft in its flight logs.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to observe a tree in the aircraft's flight path.
- A significant contributing factor was a lack of situational awareness while the pilot was preoccupied with resetting the agricultural navigation computer during a turn.